Windows 10 arrives in three days, and this is all you need to know

Windows 10 arrives in three days, and this is all you need to know.

Microsoft will finally release the final user version of its most complete Operating System ever created, Windows 10, in just three days. That is why we have compiled everything you need to know, both in terms of features and requirements to be able to enjoy the new operating system from Redmond.

To begin with, we must talk about dates, versions and prices of Windows 10. You already know that upgrading to the new operating system is free for the first year for users who have a legitimate Windows 7 / 8.1 license, but what happens after?

Dates, prices and versions of Windows 10

You should know that, as we have already said, upgrading to Windows 10 from Windows 7 or 8.1 is free for the first year. However, after that period, Windows 10 will be priced at 119 euros for the Home version and 199 euros for the Pro version.

A curious thing is that despite the fact that Microsoft’s intention with Windows 10 was to unify all devices with its operating system, it will surprisingly launch 7 versions of it that we summarize below.

• Windows 10 Home: Will be the standard version, included in all upcoming OEM laptops and desktop PCs sold in stores.
• Windows 10 Pro: will have advanced options specially designed for companies, allowing connection to servers and being able to control automatic updates with Windows Update for Business (currently known as WSUS).
• Windows 10 Mobile: the mobile version, successor to Windows Phone.
• Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise: the same as the previous one but designed for companies. It allows actions such as licensing all the operating systems of the company’s smartphones and tablets under a single volume license.
• Windows 10 Enterprise: It is a more advanced version of the Pro version, aimed at large implementations.
• Windows 10 Education: This version implements special features for the education sector, teachers and students.
• Windows 10 IoT Core: a very limited special version for devices oriented to the Internet of Things.

system requirements

Like any other program, Windows 10 has some minimum system requirements to be able to function correctly on our PC:

• Processor or SoC at 1 Ghz.
• 1 GB of RAM for the 32-bit version and 2 GB for the 64-bit version.
• 16/32 GB of storage (32/64 bit version respectively) with the possibility of installing on an external device (memory card, USB, etc.).
• Screen resolution of at least 1024 x 600 pixels.

Main news and features

Since its first presentation, Microsoft insisted that Windows 10 would be something like an operating system “to rule them all”, that is, it sought to unify all devices with a single operating system, so that the interaction between all of them was more easy and fast. This also means that without a doubt we will find “universal” applications for all types of devices, referring to PCs, tablets, smartphones and even Xbox One.

Below we summarize what are the main novelties that we have not talked about yet:

• Changes in the interface: we return to have the traditional Start button, although in the style of the new operating system. There will also be a revamped task manager, notification area, new icons, multiple desktops, and a host of other improvements.
• Security improvements: Microsoft has put a lot of effort into making Windows 10 its most secure operating system. For this reason, it has, among other things, support for multi-factor authentication technology.
• Microsoft Edge: Internet Explorer washes its face and changes its name. The first tests that have been carried out with it show that it is a very safe and fast browser.
• Cortana: We will have for the first time the voice assistant that debuted on Windows Phone.

There are also some disadvantages

Upgrading to Windows 10 is not a path of roses in which we will only win. There are also some things that we will lose, or that we will not lose but will lose control over. For example, in Windows 10 the mythical Windows Media Center disappears, and now we will have to resort to third-party applications to play videos, DVDs, etc.

On the other hand, in the Home version we will not have any control over automatic updates. When Microsoft releases them, they will be downloaded and installed on our computer without our consent and without our being able to do anything. Personally I think this is something inadmissible, but that’s the way things are.

Finally, it should be noted that some applications will be removed if we update from Windows 7/8.1 to the new version, such as antivirus (only Windows Defender will remain “by the nose”), and others such as solitaire or minesweeper will disappear.